I grew up in a Christian setting. And if you are like me, you have probably heard the phrase, “God will never give you more than you can handle." It sounded nice at the time, but it does not hold up biblically or logically.There have been times in my life when I have felt broken to my core. Whether it was from tragedy, a struggling sin, or worldly conflict (schoolwork, crappy friends, etc.), the phrase “God will never give you more than you can handle" just seemed like a slap to the face. If that's the case, I'm obviously failing. If I am supposed to handle this situation, then what am I doing wrong?
This phrase derived from 1 Corinthians 10:13. Some people misquote Paul when he says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind… He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." Like all scriptures, context is key. Paul is writing about temptation, not suffering. When we are tempted, we are presented two choices: to engage or to run. And through any temptation, God will provide a way out.
Sometimes what seems to be encouragement can really be discouragement. If we were supposed to handle every tough situation, then why do we need God at all? That means we would be able to deliver ourselves from sin, guide our own will in life, and reach Heaven by our own merit.
There are times when God will give you more than you can handle. He will break you down to your lowest point: The point where you say, “God, I can't do this on my own. I need you!"
Biblically, you can easily look to the book of Job as a testament to this. Even Jesus tells the Father that he is “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Matthew 26:38). Some situations are not made to be escaped on our own, we need God's help.
We know from scripture that God will help us. In one of the most comforting scriptures (Matthew 11:28), Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.".
It is OK to feel overwhelmed, stressed, broken, lonely, and distraught. By grace alone, God will come down into those deep parts with you and carry you out. At those times is when you really encounter the greatness of our God.
“You don't really know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have." - Tim Keller
